There is no doubt that Singapore transformed tremendously and beyond anyone's expectations. It was the determination, the resolve and the vision of a few good men and led by an exceptional individual. Many of us are where we are because of what transpired. The run was good and in the mid 1980s, CPF reached the magical figure of 50% (25+25).
Along the way, a number of Singaporeans paid a heavy price, lost their freedom and we glossed over it.
Something else also came along that was not expected. Race relations within the community became strained. Eventually the race became a factor in housing and in immigration. A society that was used to freely visiting members of other communities stopped seeing that. Public housing which was indeed a miracle is now the political bedrock of control and influence for the PAP. Elections do not resemble that of any democratic society that I know of. The equation carries on because the important economic benchmarks are good. And Singaporeans share in the pie at least in material terms.
Things in the last 10 years have significantly changed. Singaporeans share of the material pie is diminishing. It was not a fluke but a political decision to allow HDB flat to be rented out failing which many proud Singaporeans would not have an income. Many well educated are driving taxis. People are displaced in mid career to make way for cheaper foreign labour.
This is one first world country that does not have a welfare plan that is clear, transparent and accessible to the less able and the disabled without they first losing their dignity. It is one first world country that does not have a minimum wage. It is one first world country that has no legislation to prevent race and demographic discrimination in employment. This is one first world country which has systematically removed consitutencies that have reached the 40 percentage mark in general elections in terms of opposition votes. This is one first world country where elected member of the Parliament cannot head taxpayer funded grassroots organisations but allow defeated opponents belonging to the PAP to do so.
It is sad that none of the fans of old man's wife could provide a single meaningful contribution that can be directly attributed except some diatribe about fishing village. I had to point out her role in enacting the Women's Charter to protect the fairer sex from a male dominated Asian society.
One imbecile has no clue what the word opinion means. Another's take on history must clearly reflect his academic prowess during his time in school and his love of the local media. A third feels that posts that correct the erroneous part of history and does not shine a torch on the recently deceased is hate posts. Where did these people come from. Surely not members of a 1st world country.
I think a better comparison would be better by using Malacca and Penang. With Singapore the three were governed by the brits as the 'Straits Settlement'. The population composition, cultural traits and historical experiences were similar and the british relinquished them also about the same time.
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